System and method for instantaneously deploying packetized alert data

ABSTRACT

One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for instantaneously deploying packetized alert data in a one to many configuration or a many to many configuration where the data to be received by each recipient can be customized in a way that leaves a publisher with optimum control over the content or revenue generated from each deployment.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/616,921, filed Sep. 14, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,082, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/781,726, filed May17, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,307,042, which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/256,243, filed Oct. 20, 2005, nowabandoned, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 60/621,016, filed Oct. 20, 2004, the contents of each of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. A portion of thedisclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject tocopyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to thefacsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent fileor records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention described herein pertain to the field ofcommunication oriented computer software. More particularly, but not byway of limitation, the computer software described herein enables theinstant deployment of alert data across disparate systems.

Description of the Related Art

There are various systems for deploying message data. A commonly usedterm for this type of real-time exchange is instant messaging. Instantmessaging is inexpensive, with most vendors giving away the product andothers charging nominal licensing fees. Such instant messaging systemsare powerful in that they allow users to communicate in one windowwhile, for example, looking over a document in another. Team members indifferent locations can set up impromptu conversations, bouncing ideasand strategies off each other.

Some examples of instant messaging systems capable of deploying messagedata across a network include systems such as Internet Relay Chat (IRC),AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger provide mechanisms forinstantaneously transporting data between client computers. Generallyspeaking these systems provide a plurality of client systems with theability to transmit data between each client system by transporting thedata through a server system. Each of these systems identified aboveutilizes its own protocol to transport data and message data from onesystem cannot currently cross over to another system. The best-knowninstant messaging system is America Online's Instant Messenger (AIM).AIM is software that anyone with an Internet connection can download,whether they are an AOL member or not. After registering a screen name,the user can maintain lists of AOL members and other AIM users, and bealerted whenever one of those in the list comes on-line. When one ofthose in the list comes on-line, the corresponding screen name appearsin an AIM interface window on the screen. By clicking on the nameappearing in the AIM interface window, the user may then send an instantmessage and initiate a conversation session. Users can also sort theirbuddies into groups.

There are a number of patented system relating to the deployment ofdata. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,549 describes an information andadvertising distribution system. A data server stores and updates adatabase of information items and advertisements. The information itemsand advertisements are each categorized so that each has an associatedinformation category. Workstations remotely located from the data servereach include a display device, a communication interface for receivingat least a subset of the information items and advertisements in thedata server's database and local memory for storing the informationitems and advertisements received from the data server. An informationadministrator in each workstation establishes communication with thedata server from time to time so as to update the information items andadvertisements stored in local memory with at least a subset of theinformation items and advertisements stored by the data server. Aninformation display controller in each workstation displays on theworkstation's display device at least a subset of the information itemsand advertisements stored in local memory when the workstation meetspredefined idleness criteria. At least a subset of the workstationsinclude a profiler for storing subscriber profile data. The subscriberprofile data represents subscriber information viewing preferences,indicating information categories for which the subscriber does and doesnot want to view information items. The information display controllerincludes a filter for excluding from the information items displayed onthe display device those information items inconsistent with thesubscriber profile data.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,415 describes a closed-loop message distributionsystem configured to accept documents from a variety or sources via aplurality of media, presenting the documents to a plurality ofrecipients through their preferred communications channel, documentpersonalization, and suppressing delivery of follow-up documents tothose recipients who have responded to an earlier related message.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,602 describes a method and system for interactivelyresponding to queries from a remotely located user includes a computerserver system configured to receiving an instant message query orrequest from the user over the Internet. The query or request isinterpreted and appropriate action is taken, such as accessing a localor remote data resource and formulating an answer to the user's query.The answer is formatted as appropriate and returned to the user as aninstant message or via another route specified by the user. A method andsystem of providing authenticated access to a given web page via instantmessaging is also disclosed.

There is a need for a system and method for instantaneously deployingpacketized alert data in a one to many configuration or a many to manyconfiguration where the data to be received by each recipient can becustomized in a way that leaves a publisher with optimum control overthe content or revenue generated from each deployment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a system andmethod for instantaneously deploying packetized alert data in a one tomany configuration or a many to many configuration where the data to bereceived by each recipient can be customized in a way that leaves apublisher with optimum control over the content or revenue generatedfrom each deployment. Systems enabling one or more aspects of theinvention comprise a scalable set of server computers coupled through aninterconnection fabric such as a computer network (e.g., wired orwireless) to a set of recipient computers. The server or set of serversis configured to interface with a plurality of independent publishingsystems where each publisher can customize the content and interfacewithin which a set of packetized alert data messages will be delivered.Through a message delivery interface tied into the publishing system anadministrator has the ability to exercise control over the instantaneousdeployment of messages contained within the packetized data. Thefunctionality implemented by the message delivery interface is describedand shown in FIGS. 3-12.

Communication modules located on each of the recipient computers arecoupled to the server system and configured to function as a conduit fortransporting packetized data to the recipient computer. In one or moreembodiments, the communication module remains active so long aspredefined billing criteria are maintained. Data can be forwarded to anaddress (e.g., IP address, MAC address, telephone number, television ID,or any other method for identifying a device with the display area) attime increments determined by the publisher rather than queried orobtained from the server at the request of a client computer. At thedestination address (e.g., recipient-user computer) software isconfigured to make use of a screen region representative of the outputof communication module as displayed via delivery/display interface.

In one or more embodiments, packetized alert data messages originatingfrom multiple publishers can be delivered to a recipient device anddisplayed on a single screen region of the recipient device. The screenregion is capable of displaying data received in various protocols andcan, for instance, display HTML data, XML, data, image data, audio data,video data, plug-in data and other data packaged as an atomic unit andsent to communication module for display via screen region.

In one or more embodiments, a user may opt to accept contextual dataidentified as relevant to a user. Furthermore, a publisher may opt todeliver contextual data identified as relevant to a recipient user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for instantaneously deployingpacketized alert data in a one to many configuration or a many to manyconfiguration where the data to be received by each recipient can becustomized in a way that leaves a publisher with optimum control overthe content or revenue generated from each deployment.

FIG. 2 is a logical diagram illustrating the components of a recipientcomputer coupled with an interconnection fabric as configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a screen region representative of the output ofcommunication module as displayed via delivery/display interface inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows an add alert interface and functions available to thepublishing system in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 5 shows an alert control interface for handling the functions andconditions for viewing and controlling the alert data in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a member-listing interface configured in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a member connection interface identifying the memberscurrently connected to the interconnection fabric and capable ofreceiving packetized alert data.

FIG. 8 depicts a manager identification interface configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schedule definition interface configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an options interface for defining publisher specificpreferences.

FIG. 11 depicts the client link interface and illustrates some of thetypes of information that can be defined per publishing entity.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart that shows an exemplary process for deliveringpacketized alert data in accordance with one or more aspects of theinvention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a general-purpose computer and peripherals that whenprogrammed as described herein may operate as a specially programmedcomputer capable of implementing one or more methods, apparatus and/orsystems of the solution.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart that shows an exemplary process for a recipientuser to receive packetized alert data in accordance with one or moreaspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a system andmethod for instantaneously deploying packetized alert data in a one tomany configuration or a many to many configuration where the data to bereceived by each recipient can be customized in a way that leaves apublisher with optimum control over the content or revenue generatedfrom each deployment. In the following exemplary description numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a more thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent,however, to an artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention maybe practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific detailsdescribed herein. In other instances specific features well known tothose of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail soas not to obscure the invention. Readers should note that althoughexamples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the fullscope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates components of a system forinstantaneously deploying packetized alert data. Systems enabling one ormore aspects of the invention comprise a scalable server or set ofserver computers (110 n) coupled through an interconnection fabric (115)such as a computer network (e.g., wired or wireless) to a set ofrecipient computers (100-103 n). The set of servers is configured tointerface with a plurality of independent publishing systems (120) whereeach publisher can customize the content and interface within which aset of packetized data messages will be delivered. Through a messagedelivery interface tied into the publishing system an administrator hasthe ability to exercise control over the instantaneous deployment ofmessages contained within the packetized data. The term deployment asused herein is meant to include broadcast, multi-cast, peer-to-peer,client-server, or any other network topology that allows data to betransmitted/received between two points. For instance, the administratormay define what set of messages a recipient is to receive and identify aTime to Live (TTL) for each message within the set. Thus, a publishermay precisely control the time, sequence, and content of messagesdeployed to a plurality of recipients. In cases where the publishingsystem is tasked with the job of transmitting time sensitive information(e.g., news, schedules, etc. . . . ), the publisher may set anexpiration threshold and discontinue the broadcast of messagessubsequent to that threshold. Hence the publisher is able to controlwhat messages are displayed at a recipient computer and how long eachmessage is displayed for.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of publishing systems (120) may sendcustomized content in the form of packetized alert data to recipientusers (100-103 n) through an interconnection fabric (115). FIG. 14 is aflow chart of an exemplary process for a recipient user to receivepacketized alert data from multiple publishers in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the invention. Process 1400 begins at step 1402.Processing continues to step 1404, where the user subscribes to a firstpublisher. By subscribing, the user consents to receiving informationfrom a particular publisher without having to initiate a specificrequest for every alert or message to be disseminated. The user and/orthe first publisher may specify default settings identifying thecategory or other type of messages to receive, and the mode oftransmission, the configuration of the screen region, the length of timeto display a message, acknowledgement of the message, authentication, orany other setting. In one or more embodiments, packetized alert data mayalso indicate custom settings which apply to a specific message.

Processing continues to step 1406, where the user subscribes to a secondpublisher. By subscribing, the user consents to receiving informationfrom the second publisher without having to initiate a specific requestfor every alert or message to be disseminated. The user and/or thesecond publisher may specify default settings identifying the categoryor other type of messages to receive, and the mode of transmission, theconfiguration of the screen region, the length of time to display amessage, acknowledgement of the message, authentication, or any othersetting. In one or more embodiments, packetized alert data may alsoindicate custom settings which apply to a specific message.

Processing continues to step 1408, where packetized alert data isreceived. At step 1410, the specific publisher associated with thepacketized alert data is determined. Processing continues to step 1412,where the default settings for the display of the packetized alert datafrom the specific publisher are obtained. Processing continues to step1414, where the packetized alert data is displayed using the settings ofthe specific publisher from which the packetized alert data originated.In one or more embodiments, packetized alert data from multiplepublishers is displayed in a single screen region of a display of auser, such as a computer monitor display, a television display, a mobiledevice display, or any other display device configurable to displaypacketized alert data. The screen region may be modified based onsettings specified in the packetized alert data or the default settingsfor a specific publisher. Processing continues to step 1416, whereprocess 1400 terminates.

FIG. 2 is a logical diagram illustrating the components of a recipientcomputer 100 coupled with interconnection fabric 115 as configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Each recipientcomputer (100-103 n) comprises a communication module (200) configuredto access the set of server computers to obtain the packetized alertdata and display that data in accordance with a set of rules defined bya user of the recipient computer. Hence in addition to the publisherhaving control over message delivery users have the ability to filter oridentify rules (202) defining when certain messages are to be deliveredand displayed (204). In certain cases, publishers may override theseuser-defined rules to ensure critical messages are delivered torecipient computers. A publisher may, for instance, decide to alwaysdeliver Emergency Broadcast Messages, certain corporate messages orother messages deemed to be of importance. In other examples the messagerecipient may indicate certain messages are to be received at certaintimes of day. As an example, but not by way of limitation, a lawyer maywish to receive all information transmitted from a Court of Law, betweenthe hours of 9-5, but otherwise indicate that such information is not tobe transmitted. Recipients also have the ability to designate messagesto be received by subject. A medical doctor may, for instance, indicatethat information about important medical research is to be received,where a layperson may not wish to receive such information. In one ormore embodiments but not by way of limitation, a recipient user maysubscribe for a service providing instantaneous alert data, including apaid subscription for one or more categories of instantaneous alertdata. In one or more embodiments but not by way of limitation, apublisher, such as a employer, university, school, or any otherpublisher, may require recipient users to receive instantaneous alertdata, including instantaneous alert data associated with one or morecategories. For example, but not by way of limitation, a universitypublisher may require registered students to receive instantaneous alertdata from one or more categories, such as instantaneous alert dataassociated with a category for a course for which the student isregistered, an association for which the student is a member, a generalcategory for all registered students, or any other category for whichalerts are separately manageable.

Communication module 200 is coupled to the server system and a conduitfor transporting packetized data to the recipient computer remainsactive while predefined billing criteria are optionally maintained. Thecommunication module can utilize various transport mechanisms to obtaindata from the server system, such as HTTP, FTP, WAP, or any otherlogical protocol for transmitting data between two points. The systemcan utilize presentation layer engines such as Gecko or IE to render andlayout the packetized data in a format customized as per the publisherrequirements. Different users may also set different publicationpreferences. Data is forwarded to an address (e.g., IP address, MACaddress, telephone number, television ID, or any other method foridentifying a device with the display area) at time incrementsdetermined by the publisher rather than queried or obtained from theserver at the request of a client computer.

In one or more embodiments of the invention data is forwarded to arecipient upon initiation of a publisher who may optionally choose tosecure the communication link (115) via Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) orvia any other suitable encryption technology. Users at the recipientcomputer may respond to the publisher by providing information such assurvey data, purchase data or any desired data. A publisher may, forinstance, instantaneously transmit data such as news or survey questionsalong with an accompanying response form. Users may complete the formand submit that information back to the publisher via the same conduitused for transmission of the data. The invention contemplates theinclusion of a mechanism that allows recipient users to authenticate theidentity of the publisher and hence, prior to providing requested data,the user can take steps to ensure the data is being provided to a properparty. For instance, authentication may occur through entry of a user orpublisher defined password or security phrase. In cases where thepublisher is communicating with a known recipient, complementaryencryption keys may provide a method for verifying the identity of eachrespective party. Other checks or verification procedures are alsofeasible and contemplated as being within the scope and spirit of theinvention, but not described here for purposes of brevity.

FIG. 3 illustrates a screen region representative of the output ofcommunication module 200 as displayed via delivery/display interface204. Screen Region 300 is capable of displaying data received in variousprotocols and can, for instance, display HTML data, XML, data, imagedata, audio data, video data, plug-in data and other data packaged as anatomic unit and sent to communication module 200 for display via screenregion 300. For example, the data, including HTML data, XML data, imagedata, audio data, video data, plug-in data and any other type of datamay include audio and/or video data, including embedded audio and/orvideo data, digital television broadcasts, advertisements, and EmergencyBroadcast Messages. In the example depicted in FIG. 3, image data (301)and text data with accompanying hyperlinks is pushed to thecommunication module 200 for display via screen region 300 as per therules specified by the publisher and the user. Although data istypically pushed to a recipient data can also be pulled from a recipientor initiated by the recipient. Hence at least one embodiment of theinvention allows for the bidirectional flow of data between theserver(s) and the recipients.

The user, for instance, may opt to accept data that pertains only to aspecific category of information. In some cases information iscontinuously updated on screen region 300 as it changes on server(s) 110n. The data to be displayed on screen region 300 may be defined on theserver and remain static until changed or it can be updated based ondata taken from an independent source such as another server. In thecase where auction data or other kinds of rapidly changing data (308) isinstantaneously transmitted to communication module 200 for display viascreen region 300, server(s) 110 n may monitor the status of data onanother server and act as a conduit for the data when a change or updateoccurs.

In one or more embodiments, a user may opt to accept contextual dataidentified as relevant to a user. Furthermore, a publisher may opt todeliver contextual data identified as relevant to a recipient user.Relevant contextual data may be identified based on a user'spreferences, user-submitted information, demographic information,information collected about a user, information supplied from a mobiledevice, or any other method for collecting and processing informationabout a user. In one or more embodiments, relevant contextual data isdetermined based on location information.

Packetized alert data may be event driven. In one or more embodiments,one or more messages are automatically delivered upon a triggering eventbased on contextual data. For example, the one or more messages mayinclude a welcome message, scheduled event notifications, deadlines,reminders, instructions for responding to a event such as a naturaldisaster, donation requests, detour information, evacuation routes,voting instructions, public service announcements, instructions forcompleting a form (such as a tax form, a census, a survey, or any otherform), or any other information suitable for disseminating upon atriggering event.

In an auction for example, the price of the current bid and timeremaining can be updated as it changes on the server hosting theauction. Links that are sent to display region 300 may reference datafrom server(s) 110 n or data from third party server(s) 120 n. Uponselection of hyperlink 303 for instance a web page that provides furtherinformation or otherwise complements the displayed information isobtained and displayed to the user in a web browser. Hence in oneembodiment of the invention screen region 300 displays information thatis defined and initially sent to a recipient via server 110 n, but whichlinks back to information contained on a third-party server 120 n or onserver 110 n itself. Image data (306) may be configured to act as a linkor be transmitted for display as image data alone. The layout of screenregion is controlled by markup data or other data present on server 110n.

It is also possible to use embodiments of the invention toinstantaneously broadcast form data to a plurality of users for purposesof completion. This form data may be transmitted inhttp://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/d1600.pdf

numerous contexts and provides a way for users to submit a response toserver 110 n or third-party server 120 n. News entities could, forinstance, embedded surveys in stories being pushed to their readers andobtain immediate feedback about the story for any suitable purpose.Executives can broadcast surveys to employees of customers for purposesof addressing a specific issue and obtain instantaneous feedback.Members of a group can obtain information from other members forpurposes of a vote or other need by instantaneously broadcasting a formto the members for completion. Advertisers can deploy ads to a knowntest market that has a well-defined set of characteristics and seekspecific feedback by accompanying the advertisement with a form askingfor feedback.

It is possible to utilize the system for instantaneously deployingpacketized data described herein as a stand-alone communication channelor as a complement to an existing communication methodology. Ininstances where a pre-existing relationship exists between the publisherand the recipient (e.g., company/customer, employer/employee,school/student, or any other pre-existing one to many or many to manyrelationship) the system can be used in place of technologies such asemail to provide a structure to send and receive data. If a customer iscontacting technical support to ask a question, the publisher (in thiscase the entity providing technical support) may affirmatively transmitbasic questions to the inquirer while that person is on hold or duringthe phone call. Hence the system provides a secure conduit for sendingand fetching select information from a distinct group of identifiablerecipients.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps for deliveringalert data in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.Embodiments for delivering alert data may change, switch, omit, andconcurrently perform (e.g. in a multithreaded system) process stepsshown in exemplary process 1200 without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. Process 1200 begins at step 1202.

Processing continues to step 1204, where alert data and formatconstraints are obtained. Alert data may be defined via the alertinterface 400 described in more detail at FIG. 4. Alert data may also bedefined by pulling format constraints and content from other sourcesindependent of alert interface 400, but is generally constrained byconditions set by the publisher via alert interface 400.

Processing continues to step 1206, where the alert is associated withone or more categories, such as via category definition component 412 asdescribed in more detail below.

Processing continues to step 1208, where publisher-specific links andother data associated with the alert are defined.

Processing continues optional steps 1210, where publisher billingpreferences and associations may be defined in a billing-basedsubscription system. A publisher may, for instance, define when toinitiate billing cycles and what the terms are for revenue sharing withother publishers in the event that such sharing is desired.

Processing continues to step 1212, where the criteria for transmittingan alert to Recipient-Users are defined. For instance, the publishinguser can specify time intervals for sending alert data or define otheractions or events that will cause alert data to be transmitted.Publishers can also opt to send alerts at their sole discretion and notbased on any particular time or other such criteria. This criteria fortransmitting alerts can be defined via schedule definition interface 900which is described in further detail at FIG. 9.

Processing continues to optional step 1214, where registration andpayment information is obtained from the recipient-users and otherinformation as required by each specific publisher is collected in abilling-based subscription system.

Processing continues to step 1216, where recipient of alert preferencesare obtained. We sit the alert preferences may include a selection of atleast one category of alerts a recipient-user desires to receive andsoftware to enable the transmission of instantaneous alert data

Processing continues to step 1218, where alert data is received forpublication. Once the initial publisher setup and recipient-user setupis achieved, the system monitors what users are connected (see e.g.,member connection interface described at FIG. 7) to deliver alert datato the appropriate recipients, such as by using the process outlined insteps 1220-1232. At decision step 1220, it is determined whether alertcriteria has been met. At decision step 1222, it is determined whether arecipient is associated with the category of the alert. At optionaldecision step 1224, it is determined whether billing associations aresatisfied. If alert criteria has been met, a recipient is associatedwith a category, and a billing associations are optionally satisfied,processing continues to step 1226. Otherwise, processing continues tostep 1232.

At decision step 1226, it is determined whether a recipient isconnected. If the recipient is connected, processing continues to step1230, where the alert data is sent for display to the recipient.Otherwise, processing continues to step 1228, where the process waitsfor the recipient to connect and return to step 1226 to determinewhether the recipient is connected.

Returning to step 1230, processing continues to decision step 1232,where it is determined if the system should listen for more alert datato receive. If the system will continue receiving alert data forpublication, processing returns to step 1218. Otherwise, processingcontinues to step 1234, where process 1200 terminates.

FIG. 4 shows an add alert interface and functions available atpublishing system 120. To define and format data for delivery to usersvia the instantaneous notification system a publisher-user defines thecontents of the alert in a formatting control interface 401. Alertinterface 400 contains a set of tools that provide the user with variousfunctions for modifying the appearance of the alert that is to betransmitted via the instant notification system. In one embodiment ofthe invention alert data (an example of which is depicted in FIG. 3) areformatted as web pages constrained to meet the requirements of thedisplay region within which they will be displayed. When the alter datais formatted as a web page it is assigned a title (413) and URL (414) bythe publishing user. Images or other embedded data or plug-ins to bepushed to recipients of the alert data are identified via the alertinterface 400 at image link 404. In one embodiment of the invention eachformatted set of alert data is associated with one or more categories atcategory definition component 412. The publishing user can add or removecategories as desired. Recipients can opt to only receive data thatrelates to certain categories (e.g., via Rule Set 202) and as suchcontrol what data is presented to them via the instant notificationsystem. Once a message is formatted for display on screen region 300 viaformatting control interface 401 the alter may be posted via postmechanism (410) for inclusion in the overall system.

In one embodiment of the invention publishing users may also define amobile device message version, such as a Short Message Service (SMS)version or Multimedia Message Services (MMS) version of the alert whichis to be transmitted simultaneous with the version formatted for screenregion 300 or independent of the screen region 300 version. As usedherein, the term mobile device refers to any mobile telecommunicationsdevice configured to communicate through a wireless telecommunicationsprovider, including netbooks, cell phones, smart phones, PDAs, and anyother mobile telecommunications device. For example, an SMS version isformatted in the mobile device message region 411 of alert interface 400and typically created in a way where it is formatted for display onwireless computing devices such as cell phones or PDAs. When an SMSversion is formatted it is also posted via post mechanism 410. In one ormore embodiments, an MMS version is formatted in a mobile device messageregion 411 of alert interface 400. Mobile device message region 411 maybe configured to accept one or more types of mobile device messagesbased on the preferences of publishers or users. Mobile device messageregion 411 may be configured to emulate a mobile device display.

In one or more embodiments, a publisher is provided with one or moremobile device message tools through a mobile device message interface tofacilitate the creation of an mobile device version of an alert from thepacketized alert data. For example, a MMS interface may be provided to apublisher to provide tools to edit, compress, select or otherwise modifythe packetized alert data, including text, audio, image and video data.The resulting mobile device version of the packetized alert data issuitable for transmission to a mobile device using a standard mobilemessaging protocol. In one or more embodiments, a MMS interface isprovided to create a deliverable SMS message from packetized alert data,including HTML data, XML data, image data, audio data, video data,plug-in data, audio and/or video data, including embedded audio and/orvideo data, digital television broadcasts, advertisements, and EmergencyBroadcast Messages.

In one embodiment of the invention data is forwarded in accordance withcriteria defined by the publisher so long as appropriate billing orother criteria are maintained. For instance, in some cases packetizedalert data may only be transmitted to paying customers. When maintenanceof the billing requirements ceases the conduit is terminated andtransmission of the packetized data stops. The incremental revenuegenerated from the transmission of packetized data to the recipientcomputers is proportionally shared with the operator of the publishingsystem. Once a connection is established with a recipient billingconstraints are setup to ensure a relatively predictable revenue stream.

Once an alert is created, the functions and conditions for viewing andcontrolling the alert are defined via an alert control interface 500which is depicted in FIG. 5. The alert control interface provides a sendalert 501 function for sending the defined alert to connected users aswell as mechanisms for viewing alert listings 502 and SMS listings 503.Alert control interface also contains a preview 504 that enables thepublisher to view the alert as it will be presented to the recipients.When preview 504 is selected a preview window 505 is presented thatdisplays the alert as formatted via formatting control interface 401.Hence publishers can use this mechanism to see how the alert will appearprior to it being broadcast to the various recipient users. The alertlisting or the SMS listing provide the publishing user with a mechanismfor viewing a complete set of all the alerts, viewing what category 515each alert is associated with and edit or remove the alert (actions520). The edit action grants the publisher access to the alert data in aform similar to the formatting control interface 401 and hence providesthe user with a way to change the appearance and content of the alert.SMS alerts can also be so modified, deleted and sent via alert controlinterface 500. An example of the interface presented when the alertlisting is selected is depicted at 510.

FIG. 6 depicts a member-listing interface configured in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention. Member listing 600 comprises amember ID, username, full name, status and actions list. Status 601indicates whether the associated user name is currently subscribed andthereby capable of receiving alert data. In one or more embodiments,publishers and/or recipients can deactivate the subscription. One ormore embodiments provide publishers the ability to restrict userdeactivation of a subscription. Actions 602 provide functionality forediting or deleting a member. Edit mode provides an interface forcollecting information about the member/user and thereby provides amechanism for collecting personal information such as a persons address,email, demographic information and any other general information relatedto a specific member. In one or more embodiments, the collection ofpersonal information is automated from an existing file or database,such as an employee database, a student database, a customer database,or any other file or database containing user information. The memberinformation also identifies the members SMS information (e.g., wirelessinformation/service provider) and category information identifying whichcategories the member deems to be acceptable. The publisher mayoptionally override the category selection made by the member-user. Thecategory choices dictate what type of alert data the member willreceive. The member-listing interface also provides a mechanism forcollecting member information and/or group information.

FIG. 7 depicts a member connection interface identifying the memberscurrently connected to the interconnection fabric and capable ofreceiving packetized alert data. Using the member connection interfacethe publisher-user is able to discern which users are connected and havea mechanism for identifying the ID, username, full name, status, or anyother data of the user as well as take actions specifically related tothe identified user.

FIG. 8 depicts a manager identification interface configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The manageridentification interface provides a mechanism for adding new managers(e.g., publisher-users) that have the ability to determine one or moreusers that can administer the system and thereby define users who willreceive alert data. Management identification interface 800 identifiesthe ID, username, full name, company and actions (e.g., edit or delete)that can be taken with respect to the administrative/publishing user. Inone or more embodiments, a manager is authorized to publish packetizedalert data associated with one or more categories.

In one or more embodiments but not by way of limitation, a publisher,such as a employer, university, school, or any other publisher, mayrequire recipient users to receive instantaneous alert data, includinginstantaneous alert data associated with one or more categories. Forexample, but not by way of limitation, a university publisher mayrequire registered students to receive instantaneous alert data from oneor more categories, such as instantaneous alert data associated with acategory for a course for which the student is registered, anassociation for which the student is a member, a general category forall registered students, or any other category for which alerts areseparately manageable. At least one manager with authority to publishinstantaneous alert data to a specific category is able to contactstudents associated with the specific category. In a university setting,a manager may be a dean, a director, a registrar, a professor, ateaching assistant, or any other publisher-user who has authority topublish instantaneous alert data to a specific category.

In one or more embodiments but not by way of limitation, a recipientuser may subscribe for a service providing instantaneous alert data,including a paid subscription for one or more categories ofinstantaneous alert data. At least one manager with authority maypublish instantaneous alert data to a specific category to which arecipient user is subscribed.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schedule definition interface 900 configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The scheduledefinition interface provides functionality for defining an alert type901, date 902, time 903, status 904, and actions specific 905 to aparticular user or set of users. The alert type defines the specificcriteria under which a member or recipient-user may receive alert data.The alert type may, for instance define a frequency, time-of-day orwhether the alert data is received daily. The user and/or publisher mayset a specific time for receiving the alert data, define the frequencyfor receiving such data (continuously, intermittently, etc. . . . ) oralso define that the alerts are to be received daily. Date informationidentifying the date the user started to receive alert data and/or daterelated to other user related events. Time data, status data(active/inactive) and/or actions (edit or delete member information isalso defined via the schedule definition interface.

FIG. 10 illustrates an options interface for defining publisher specificpreferences. The option interface 1005 contains functions for generatinga view of all currently category listings and functionality for addingone or more categories. Each category has a unique ID 1000, a name 1002and actions 1003 associated with the category. Publishing users can addand/or remove categories via a category-listing interface selected viathe options menu and depicted in FIG. 10. Option interface 1005 alsocomprises functions for specifying client links and client downloaddata. A publisher can, for instance, specify via a download clientinterface a location of an executable client program configured toinstall software for implementing the system described herein. In othercases the publisher may specify other programs recipient-users canaccess for download.

FIG. 11 depicts the client link interface 1115 and illustrates some ofthe types of information 1100-1107 that can be customized to fit aparticular publisher. The ability to globally change link informationpushed to a set of receiving users on a customized per publisher basisis advantageous because it enables the rapid setup and deployment ofsystems for disseminating alert data. Publisher can define specificsthat relate to a single publisher or a single hub-publisher can definedifferent specifics for each publisher the hub-publisher is hosting. Inthis instance a single entity acts as a hub-publisher and offers alertservices to a plurality of other publishers. Specific preferences foreach publisher can be defined in link interface 1115. In other caseslink interface 1115 is used to define link preferences for an individualpublisher. In either case link interface 1115 is used to define a set oflinks (e.g., URLs or hyperlinks) pushed to the user who has subscribedor consented to receiving information from a particular publisherwithout having to initiate a specific request for every alert or messageto be disseminated. In one embodiment of the invention link interfaceprovides publishers with a mechanism for defining an alert page 1100, aprofile 1101, a website 1102, contact information 1103, aboutinformation 1104, help information 1105, registration information 1106,and password information 1107. The link and data defined as an alertpage defines the format and content of the data that is to betransmitted or pushed to the user. Alert page 1100 is associated withthe alert listing and is in one embodiment of the invention the datacreated via the alert edit interface. Alert page 1100 enables thepublishing user to control the general format (e.g., look and feel) ofthe alert data. Profile 1101 and other informational links 1102-1107 arepublisher specific and thereby customizable on a per publisher basis. Apublisher can for instance change what is displayed to recipient-userswhen a link that is pushed to them is selected by modifying the pagesand/or link information associated with informational links 1102-1107.What information is collected from a registering user can, for instancebe modified by changing the registration link or the page to which theregistration link 1106 point to. In cases where the system is used toconduct surveys and or collect other data (e.g., form data) from therecipient-users the publisher may wish to modify the informationcollected from the user via the registration interface in order to makesure that surveys are targeted at people that meet specific criteria.The other informational links are similarly customizable as needed bythe publisher. Hence the publisher can tightly control what type ofinformation is collected from and disseminated to receiving-users.

One embodiment of the invention comprises an administration interfaceconfigured to initiate a process for auto billing all accountsassociated with one or more recipient computers. Billing informationsuch as credit card or other payment information (which is typicallycollected during registration) is batched and sent to an approvalgateway 150 for processing. The validity of the payment information isverified at approval gateway 150 and payment is recorded when anapproval is provided. In instances where the payment information isdeclined, the approval gateway determines the reason for the declination(e.g., lack of funds or an expired card) and automatically generatesnotification requesting the recipient-user provide an alternative meansof payment or update their payment information. These notificationmessages can be sent via e-mail or transmitted to select users throughthe publishing system described herein. If the user responds byproviding payment information with a period of time set by thepublisher, that information is again submitted to the approval gatewayfor processing. If the payment information is approved, payment isrecorded. If payment information is not received within the appropriatetimeframe or payment is again declined, the conduit 160 between thepublishing system and the recipient computer is terminated.

When recipient-users access third-party server(s) 120 n and thetransaction to be performed at third-party server(s) 120 n requires theprocessing of payment information the third-part server may make use ofthe information provided by the recipient-user to publishing system 120(e.g., during registration) and use that information to process paymentsfor its own services. In such cases the entity associated with thethird-party server is able to avoid having to collect paymentinformation from the recipient-user that is already on file with thepublishing system. In cases where third-party server is associated withan entity independent of publishing system(s) 120, the entity providingthe payment information may draw a commission for the transaction and/ora referral fee for directing recipient-users to third-party server 120n. Hence the entity broadcasting messages can be compensated for drivingsales to a third-party server. In other cases the entity associated withthird-party server 120 n pays a monthly fee to publishing system 120.

FIG. 13 diagrams a system 1300 comprising a general-purpose computer andperipherals, when programmed as described herein, may operate as aspecially programmed computer capable of implementing one or moremethods, apparatus and/or systems of the solution described in thisdisclosure. Processor 1307 may be coupled to bi-directionalcommunication infrastructure 1302 such as communication infrastructuresystem bus 1302. Communication infrastructure 1302 may generally be asystem bus that provides an interface to the other components in thegeneral-purpose computer system such as processor 1307, main memory1306, display interface 1308, secondary memory 1312 and/or communicationinterface 1324.

Main memory 1306 may provide a computer readable medium for accessingand executed stored data and applications. Display interface 1308 maycommunicate with display unit 1310 that may be utilized to displayoutputs to the user of the specially-programmed computer system. Displayunit 1310 may comprise one or more monitors that may visually depictaspects of the computer program to the user. Main memory 1306 anddisplay interface 1308 may be coupled to communication infrastructure1302, which may serve as the interface point to secondary memory 1312and communication interface 1324. Secondary memory 1312 may provideadditional memory resources beyond main memory 1306, and may generallyfunction as a storage location for computer programs to be executed byprocessor 1307. Either fixed or removable computer-readable media mayserve as secondary memory 1312. Secondary memory 1312 may comprise, forexample, hard disk 1314 and removable storage drive 1316 that may havean associated removable storage unit 1318. There may be multiple sourcesof secondary memory 1312 and systems implementing the solutionsdescribed in this disclosure may be configured as needed to support thedata storage requirements of the user and the methods described herein.Secondary memory 1312 may also comprise interface 1320 that serves as aninterface point to additional storage such as removable storage unit1322. Numerous types of data storage devices may serve as repositoriesfor data utilized by the specially programmed computer system. Forexample, magnetic, optical or magnetic-optical storage systems, or anyother available mass storage technology that provides a repository fordigital information may be used.

Communication interface 1324 may be coupled to communicationinfrastructure 1302 and may serve as a conduit for data destined for orreceived from communication path 1326. A network interface card (NIC) isan example of the type of device that once coupled to communicationinfrastructure 1302 may provide a mechanism for transporting data tocommunication path 1326. Computer networks such Local Area Networks(LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Wireless networks, optical networks,distributed networks, the Internet or any combination thereof are someexamples of the type of communication paths that may be utilized by thespecially program computer system. Communication path 1326 may compriseany type of telecommunication network or interconnection fabric that cantransport data to and from communication interface 1324.

To facilitate user interaction with the specially programmed computersystem, one or more human interface devices (HID) 1330 may be provided.Some examples of HIDs that enable users to input commands or data to thespecially programmed computer may comprise a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen devices, microphones or other audio interface devices, motionsensors or the like, as well as any other device able to accept any kindof human input and in turn communicate that input to processor 1307 totrigger one or more responses from the specially programmed computer arewithin the scope of the system disclosed herein.

While FIG. 13 depicts a physical device, the scope of the system mayalso encompass a virtual device, virtual machine or simulator embodiedin one or more computer programs executing on a computer or computersystem and acting or providing a computer system environment compatiblewith the methods and processes of this disclosure. Where a virtualmachine, process, device or otherwise performs substantially similarlyto that of a physical computer system, such a virtual platform will alsofall within the scope of disclosure provided herein, notwithstanding thedescription herein of a physical system such as that in FIG. 13.

One or more embodiments are configured to enable the speciallyprogrammed computer to take the input data given and transform it into aweb-based UI by applying one or more of the methods and/or processesdescribed herein. Thus the methods described herein are able totransform a stored component into a web UI, using the solution disclosedhere to result in an output of the system as a web UI design supporttool, using the specially programmed computer as described herein.

Hence a method and apparatus for instantaneously deploying packetizedalert data is described. The claims however and the fill scope of anyequivalents are what describe the metes and bounds of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium fordisplaying alerts from at least one publisher to plural subscribedusers, the medium encoded with computer-readable instructions, whereinexecution of said computer-readable instructions is configured to causeat least one subscriber user processor to: provide a user interface fora subscribed user to be capable of (i) selecting at least one subscribedpublisher, and (ii) selecting one or more alert categories of a selectedsubscribed publisher; receive packetized alert data from the selectedsubscribed publisher; update a screen region of a user display topresent at least one received packetized alert data, receipt of the atleast one packetized alert data from a subscribed publisher causing aweb browser to be launched in the updated screen region; update thescreen region of the user display to present overriding information inat least one received packetized alert data, said overriding informationoverriding at least one user-selected category; process a response fromsaid user if said at least one packetized alert data comprises aresponse request from a selected subscribed publisher; and send saidresponse to a server configured to collect responses for the requestingpublisher.
 2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1,wherein the provided user interface also provides to the at least onesubscribed user individual user preference settings, which settingsinclude types of messages to receive, display settings, modes oftransmission, screen region configuration, length of display time, andmessage acknowledgement.
 3. The non-transitory computer-readable mediumof claim 1, wherein said at least one packetized alert data comprises atleast one of HTML data, XML data, text data, image data, audio data,video data, and plug-in data.
 4. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 1, wherein the updated screen region is capable ofdisplaying at least one of HTML data, XML data, image data, audio data,video data, plug-in data and other data packaged as an atomic unit. 5.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein theupdated screen region is configured to display at least one alertformatted as a web page.
 6. The non-transitory computer-readable mediumof claim 1, wherein the updated screen region is displayed on at leastone wireless computing device.
 7. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 6, wherein said wireless computing device is selectedfrom a cell phone and a PDA.
 8. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 1, wherein said at least one packetized alert data isperiodically updated.
 9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 1, wherein said overriding information in said at least onepacketized alert data comprises overriding instructions whichsubstantially instantaneously cause a web browser to be launched. 10.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the userinterface also provides preference settings comprising at least oneindividual user setting regarding the selected one or more alertcategories.
 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1,wherein the user updated screen region displays (i) a current packetizedalert data together with (ii) a previously-received packetized alertdata.
 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1,wherein the user updated screen region comprises less than an entireuser screen region.
 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 1, wherein the user updated screen region simultaneously displayspacketized alert data from plural publishers.
 14. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the web browser is launchedimmediately upon receipt of the packetized alert data.
 15. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the webbrowser is launched immediately upon receipt of the overridinginformation.